POSTDOC POSITION IN PLANT REPRODUCTION

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Submitted by lboavida on Thu, 2017-03-02 16:23

Hiring Institution

Purdue University, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, IN, USA

Description

A postdoctoral position is now available focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell-cell signaling in plant fertilization.

Review of applications will begin March 27th and will continue until the position is filled.

Project description: The project aims to investigate the potential role of Tetraspanins (TET) as mediators of specific cellular processes essential for plant gamete function and fertilization. Tetraspanins belong to a well-known gene family of transmembrane proteins ubiquitous to all multicellular organisms. In animal systems TETs were shown to play critical roles in the regulation of intercellular interactions by acting as membrane scaffolds for signaling proteins involved in a number of important biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, cell-cell adhesion, signaling and gamete fusion. We have shown that Arabidopsis TETs are expressed in specific cell types in reproductive tissues and their regulation is pollination-dependent. Of particular interest to the lab is their enriched localization in confined membrane domains at the cell surface of plant gametes, resembling the so called Tetraspanin-enriched microdomains described in other organisms. However, many questions still remain to be answered regarding their biological function in plants and their specific roles in plant reproduction.

The successful candidate will work on TET´s function in plant fertilization and mechanisms regulating the assembly of TET-associated signaling platforms on the cell surface of plant gametes combining genetic and biochemical assays with cell biology and advanced live cell imaging. Relevant publications and information can be found at https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/Pages/Profile.aspx?strAlias=lchagasb&intDirDe....
Additional details will be communicated directly to the candidate.

The applicant should have experience on a relevant area in Biological Sciences and a good publication record. A strong knowledge in genetics and plant development is required as is practical experience in molecular biology and microscopy. Good communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or as a team member is essential.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter with a statement of research interests, CV with complete list of publications and contact information of two academic referees in a single pdf file to Dr. Leonor Boavida (lboavida@purdue.edu). Please include “Plant Reproduction Postdoc” in the subject header.

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